Governor's Race: Walker Beats Barrett

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Conservative Republican Scott Walker rode his promise to both cut taxes and government spending in a win Tuesday over Democrat Tom Barrett to become Wisconsin's first Republican governor in eight years.

With 69 percent of precincts reporting, Walker won 52 percent to 47 percent, based on unofficial results.

"It wasn't about me but it was really about all of us who wanted to take our state government back," Walker said in an interview with The Associated Press shortly after his victory. "Clearly we're going to send a message that Wisconsin is open for business again."

Walker said he planned to meet with state budget officials on Wednesday afternoon to immediately begin working on addressing the projected $2.7 billion shortfall. He hoped to start talks with legislative leaders next week on his economic agenda. Republicans hoped to take over control of both the state Senate and Assembly.

Barrett, who will remain mayor of Milwaukee, said in his concession speech that he called Walker and said he wanted to work together with him to address the state's problems.

"We do have serious issues in this state," Barrett told his supporters in Milwaukee. "We all know there are too many families that are struggling."

Voters who backed Walker said they thought he was the better choice to turn around the state's economy, spur job creation and cut the bureaucracy. Several also said they liked his opposition to a federally funded high-speed rail line between Madison and Milwaukee.

"He will get the fiscal situation in Wisconsin back in order," said voter Carolyn Thorpe, a 65-year-old administrative assistant at Calvary Gospel Church in Madison. "More jobs will be created under his leadership."

The seat was open after unpopular two-term Democratic incumbent Gov. Jim Doyle decided not to seek a third term. Republicans attempted to link Barrett to Doyle at every turn, with ads labeling Barrett like Doyle "only worse."

"I don't like our governor now," said William Lubkeman, 86, of Madison, explaining why he voted for Walker.

Doyle contributed $1.5 million to a liberal group that ran attack ads against Walker, but it wasn't enough to turn the tide. Thanks in part to outside money like that, and millions spent by the campaigns, the race was expected to cost between $45 million and $50 million, making it the most expensive in Wisconsin history.

Walker won despite a strong push by the White House to keep the office in Democratic control. President Barack Obama campaigned for Barrett and raised money for him in Wisconsin. The White House wanted to keep Wisconsin, traditionally a swing state, in Democratic control heading into the redistricting process and the 2012 election.

Barrett, 56, gained national exposure after he was beaten outside the state fair last year. Barrett has been mayor of Milwaukee since 2004 after formerly serving in Congress and the state Legislature.

The 43-year-old Walker, the Milwaukee County executive, said his tax cut plans will generate economic growth and lead to the creation of 250,000 new jobs. He's promised to cut billions of dollars in taxes, which he said will help spur that economic growth while Barrett argued such a move was unrealistic and would lead to deep cuts to schools, health care and other state programs.

Barrett backer Sharon Kelley of Sun Prairie said she voted for the Democrat because she was convinced he would protect state services. She blamed the country's economic woes on former President George W. Bush's administration and said the economy will be a problem for whoever wins office for years to come.

"The economy is a problem no matter who you vote for," Kelley said. "In the two short years since Obama has been elected, there hasn't been time to see the product."

Walker inherits a $2.7 billion budget shortfall and a host of campaign promises that will be difficult to keep given the state's ongoing economic struggles. Wisconsin's unemployment rate is 7.8 percent, nearly double what it was four years ago when Doyle won re-election.

"Creating an environment that helps us create 250,000 by 2015 is not an easy task," Walker said when asked what his toughest promise will be to fulfill, "but it's one we have to do."

The Walker victory marks the first time a Republican has been elected governor Tommy Thompson in 1998. No Democrat has ever held the office more than eight years in Wisconsin's 163-year history.

The win wasn't a surprise: polls showed Walker ahead throughout the entire campaign.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.